New York – A high-profile community event was held in New York to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, organized through the joint efforts of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN and the Consulate General of Pakistan. Under the theme “Commemorating Pakistan’s Victory, Resilience, Resolve, and Pursuit of Peace,” the gathering drew a large audience from the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, alongside academics, prominent civil society figures, and community leaders.
The term Marka-e-Haq stems from the union of Marka (battle/confrontation) and Haq (truth/just right). This terminology describes military operations where the nation has acted to defend its territorial integrity against external aggression, elevating the military action to a moral and patriotic mission. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by a documentary showcasing the successes of Marka-e-Haq. The film paid tribute to the professionalism and heroism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, emphasizing the profound value of the sacrifices made for the nation. Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai described Marka-e-Haq as a “watershed moment,” symbolizing unwavering national unity in protecting territorial sovereignty. While honoring the martyrs and ghazis, Atozai reaffirmed that the country’s military strength serves as the pillar for its deterrence capabilities and its commitment to fostering regional stability through dialogue.
Strategic Perspectives and the Kashmir Issue
Prominent speakers, including Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Dr. Gholam Mujtaba (Pakistan Policy Institute), Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai (World Kashmir Awareness Forum), and activists Ali Rashid and Taj Khan, reaffirmed that the victory of Marka-e-Haq was the direct result of collective resilience. A focal point of the discussion was the future of Jammu and Kashmir. As one of the longest and most complex territorial disputes in modern history, Jammu and Kashmir remains a geopolitical crux involving the national identities of both Pakistan and India, as well as the broader stability of South Asia. The speakers confirmed Pakistan’s steadfast position: lasting stability in South Asia is unattainable without a peaceful resolution to the dispute, grounded in UN Security Council resolutions and the sovereign will of the Kashmiri people.
A Leading Role in Iranian Peace Negotiations
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad elevated the discourse by highlighting the diplomatic maturity displayed by Pakistan during Marka-e-Haq. He noted that the country is now perceived as a rational actor deeply committed to multilateralism. This maturity is currently reflected in Pakistan’s prominent role as a key mediator in the delicate peace negotiations regarding Iran. Leveraging its geostrategy and solid regional ties, Islamabad has emerged as an indispensable bridge for de-escalation. This demonstrates that the capacity to defend one’s borders goes hand-in-hand with the will to facilitate international stability and uphold international law. The Ambassador concluded by thanking the Pakistani-American community for their constant efforts in promoting the country’s image abroad. The event ended with collective prayers for the security and prosperity of the nation.
